CAM Raleigh
Art museum · Depot Historic District ·

CAM Raleigh

Art museum · Depot Historic District ·

Modern art museum with free admission, interactive exhibits

local art
thought-provoking art
intimate space
serene atmosphere
gender neutral restroom
lgbtq friendly
trans safespace
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null
CAM Raleigh by null

Information

409 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603 Get directions

Restroom
Family friendly
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Gender neutral restroom

Information

Static Map

409 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603 Get directions

+1 919 261 5920
camraleigh.org
@cam_raleigh

Features

•Restroom
•Family friendly
•Paid parking garage
•Paid street parking
•Gender neutral restroom
•LGBTQ friendly
•Trans safe

Last updated

Jan 19, 2026

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10 Cheapest Places to Travel in the U.S. This Winter, According to Kayak

"Mild winter days are perfect for browsing local art here before continuing your stroll through the oak‑lined streets." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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CAM Raleigh

Dark S.

Google
Wonderful local contemporary art space. It is a bit small but, the space is very intimate and allows for a lot of contemplation and conversation. I definitely enjoyed the experience. Located downtown so parking can be a bit tight at times. Definitely worth a visit if you want to engage with some interesting works in a wonderful local space.

Sofia

Google
My daughter & I were in the area doing a bit of vintage shopping when we saw the neon signs and decide to step inside to see what it was all about. We were pleasantly surprised to find out it was free admission (thanks to generous donations) and there were several exhibits to check out. It's a very well laid out museum with plenty of room to roam around and step back to admire the art without bumping into others. The two or three exhibits on display were very provocative and it was nice that the artist actually provided some pieces that were interactive so we could literally get a feel for her works of art. We will definitely be stopping by again. Friendly reception as soon as we entered and ascended the stairs, she thoroughly explained what was available to see. Definitely a nice place to bring locals and visitors alike!

Alisa O.

Google
Great museum with local, contemporary art, and admission is free, but they do accept donations. Parking in the area can be a challenge. Close to Raleigh Union Station.

MJ W.

Google
Crowning Glory by Samantha Everette was beautifully inspiring. Looking forward to visiting CAM Raleigh much more in the future. The diversity of subjects and mediums really was well curated. This is a Raleigh, NC gem. Powerful! A true must see if you’re in the area.

Arvian “Sparkles” D.

Google
My children took me to this art museum as part of my Mother’s Day celebration yesterday. It is free admission and they accept donations. It is a walk-in, no reservations required. There are two levels to this museum. The artwork in there is deep and thought-provoking. I believe they rotate different artists at different times. There are a few areas where you can sit if needed. What I enjoyed about this art museum besides, the art of course, is that they give not only biographical information about each artist, but they also provide an overview of that artist’s style and a summary of the collection of art that is being presented for that artist. The atmosphere is serene and conducive for an art museum. Everything is spaced out nicely to give room to multiple people viewing at the same time. The building is also maintained at a good temperature.

Cheyenne

Google
CAM was very fun, lively, loved the art. There were a few areas getting ready for a new exhibit so I will definitely be back to check it out. I had a great time, and anyone living in the Raleigh Area should check this place out! There is some places around to stop to eat for lunch afterwards if you want so it’s also I nice date idea.

Travis T.

Google
Although the museum was small, at least admission was free. I noticed that all of the paintings on display were created by artists who are from North Carolina which adds a local touch to the typical art museum.

Suzette V.

Google
There were some great pieces, and some very... interesting ones too lol. Overall great place to see some art. And it's FREE! It is a large open space but "small" at the same time, not alot of pieces. But enough to be worth going.
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Janet C.

Yelp
This is a very small but charming free contemporary art museum in Raleigh. We really enjoyed the local artists from Western NC featured during our visit. The space is intimate, which makes for a personal and unique experience. We're looking forward to their reopening and can't wait to check out the new exhibits. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area -- a true hidden gem!
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Travis T.

Yelp
Although the museum was small, at least admission was free. I noticed that all of the paintings on display were created by artists who are from North Carolina which adds a local touch to the typical art museum.
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Renee S.

Yelp
The CAM is situated in downtown Raleigh. It occupies a small space but this was my favorite art exhibit that I visited that day. The art that was on display was by Beverly McIver, from my hometown of Greensboro, NC. Wow! Her art packed a punch to my heart and gut. We grew up under totally different circumstances at the same time and in the same city. Her art is in your face screaming racial injustice and portrays her own experiences as an African American growing up in a southern town. Her paintings were the most thought provoking and insightful art that I have ever encountered. As I stood and looked at her works of art, I experienced very tangible feelings that I had to process with my adult daughter. This is a wonderful jewel of a museum tucked away in downtown Raleigh.
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Arvian D.

Yelp
My children took me to this art museum as part of my Mother's Day celebration yesterday. It is free admission and they accept donations. It is a walk-in, no reservations required. There are two levels to this museum. The artwork in there is deep and thought-provoking. I believe they rotate different artists at different times. There are a few areas where you can sit if needed. What I enjoyed about this art museum besides, the art of course, is that they give not only biographical information about each artist, but they also provide an overview of that artist's style and a summary of the collection of art that is being presented for that artist. The atmosphere is serene and conducive for an art museum. Everything is spaced out nicely to give room to multiple people viewing at the same time. The building is also maintained at a good temperature.
google avatar

Falan E.

Yelp
A friend has highly recommended CAM. It took me over a year to get here, and for free entry, it was well worth the visit. There is a variety of art here. I found myself drawn to a few. I enjoyed the animated digital art Your dream body - by Stella Rosalie Rosen. I loved how it told a story and expression of the animation's body changes, which deepened my understanding of the animation. Three Brothers did an awesome job giving off the beauty of brotherhood. I felt one piece was misplaced and not visible enough, as I almost missed it. Many of the first pieces I viewed in the first room seemed quite toxic and dark. Not my speed for that early in the morning. Perhaps these pieces evoking triggering negative feelings should be off in the corner somewhere, respectfully. Overall good experience. My only suggestion would be to have someone at the front desk. That person came along later, but during my entry, there wasn't anyone present to greet me or to answer questions if I had one. For me, this is an overall 30-minute walk thru maybe 45 minutes at the most, depending on the viewer. Very small space but has an enjoyable view of Contemporary Art which is a nice serotonin boost for those who enjoy Art.
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Reagan B.

Yelp
So I'll be honest, I'm not super into art but when in the big city, you do big city things. And I am so glad I stopped here. I loved the exhibits and what I learned and how they made me feel. I didn't take notes on artists or many pictures. The exhibits change every few months anyways. Which I love! I would definitely visit again in the future to see what else they've chosen to share with the world.
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Marissa M.

Yelp
I enjoyed my Sunday Funday at Raleigh's CAM. The museum doesn't get the credit it deserves for this space. We need more love and art in this world. Conveniently located Downtown off West Martin and S. Harrington sits this lil gem. I am lover of all things art, so today we were just in time for art dedicated to Women's Month. My friend and I were able to indulge in the new spring exhibits from some truly talented women of color. Beverly McIver, Aliyah Bonnette, Isabel Lu and Stella Rosalie Rosen. My favorite piece was from Raleigh native Aliyah Bonnette. Her work with textile is amazing. The beautiful quilt she pieced together to display the body of a black woman from her own scope and not the white male gaze, was captivating. I also loved the portrait of American author, educator, sociologist, speaker, Black liberation activist, and most prominent African-American scholar in United States history, Anna J. Cooper. Her biography was enlightening. Isabel Lu's exhibit shed light on the importance of food in our culture and in Asian culture. Loved her work. Artist Ransome was featured with over 40 pieces of work on the lower level. All beautiful in their own way. Beverly McIver, a native of Greensboro owned the main gallery with over 25 pieces. Each speaking to race, gender and a display of her emotions. I really took in her pain and joy. She truly painted her truth vividly. Her exhibit is a mix of oil paintings and an actual handwritten letter her sister wrote her on canvas. I enjoyed taking in all the colors and examining what each piece brought to mind for me. I appreciated how quiet and spacious the gallery was. We arrived at opening to really spend time in our own space enjoying the exhibits. I adored the history and teaching here at the museum. I truly appreciate the local artists who have brought us their work. I plan to bring my preteen and make it a regular part of my self care routine. The inclusivity here of the art and their motto of "you belong here " is exemplified in the cultural experiences, and bold, non-traditional exhibitions by talented and unique living artists.
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Carlos G.

Yelp
Contemporary art is just one of those things you have to go into with the right mindset, like jazz or mini golf. Clear your mind of expectations and remember to have fun. In any contemporary art museum, there might be pieces, or even entire exhibits, that you don't "get" or aren't your "cup of tea." And that's okay! Remember, there are 8 billion people on this overcrowded planet and some of them just have better taste than you do. I'm kidding! Relax, it's fine. It's art. You look at the art, and maybe it speaks to you, and maybe it doesn't. But either way, you've opened your brain up to new experiences and ways of looking at the world and that's a good thing. Contemporary art is cool. It's fun. Relax. And, at the end of the day, if all you want to do is stare at pretty pictures like a third grader, that's fine! Go to the Met and look at all the Rembrandts. Pretty colors! Pretty shapes! So pretty! Again, I'm kidding, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. All art is great. Relax. My point is, most things in life are better when you go into them with an open mindset. So just come here and enjoy the art, okay? It's FREE! And even if it wasn't free, who cares? Worst case, you spent a couple bucks to look at some art you didn't really like. Tragic. Such a tragedy. Tears. Endless tears. Relax! Also, this museum is right next to the train station, so if you're taking the Amtrak, it's a perfect place for a nice little stop before you catch your train! Enjoy! Relax!
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Kelly C.

Yelp
Still a classy venue with fantastic, modern Art exhibits. I modeled in a runway show here, and thoroughly enjoyed the modern take on Disney Princesses. We even did a photoshoot in and around the exhibit. Def a must see if you are in the area or live in Raleigh.
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Susan Q.

Yelp
I decided that for my Birthday in Raleigh I wanted to start the day with a little culture. Visiting museums is something that I really enjoy, and when I saw that this one has ever changing exhibits, I was really into that. This is also a totally free space to come and experience art, which honestly can't be beat. We did pay for parking, but I am sure if you drive around a bit, you wouldn't have to. When you walk into the space you are on the top floor, so that can be deceiving at first, but we were told this at the front desk when we walked in. This floor is large and open with very high ceilings that show the original ductwork and elevator of the building. All exposed and white walls..it begs for interesting pieces. The exhibits here were not my taste, but we enjoyed walking around to see each one, regardless. When we turned the corner to walk down the stairs we were practically transported into the next exhibit. It was entitled The Nature of Things. Vivid colors and animals and landscapes make you want to take it all in slowly, and enjoy every single mural, painting, and vase. In a room all to itself was the exhibit that I enjoyed the most, it was called Unstable. The artist is using horses escaping a carousel to depict political upheaval that she feels in the country, and to show that the peaceful World we once lived in is no longer the norm. The bright colors are moored down by the room being dark and small. There is no fanfare, no whimsy, and it really does make you feel a bit unstable. When you walk back out into the brightly colored nature scapes, it takes a minute to readjust, and you really appreciate the stark differences between them. When we came back up from that floor, I saw there was a small seating area with couches and decided to just sit and discuss the art with Husband. He admittedly doesn't always understand art or like going to museums with me, but it was nice to take a moment there to talk about what we both liked the best. While we were sitting there, I began to notice a grouping of people gathering. The next thing I knew...a flash mob of mimes was performing right in front of us. I had the feeling that if I hadn't wanted to take that small little moment together, we would have missed it entirely. It felt like a special little bit of magic just for us. After watching for a while, I stopped into the bathroom, and we headed out. I really enjoyed my visit to CAM Raleigh, and I will keep tabs on some of the upcoming exhibits here. They also host events throughout each month to raise funds and awareness of causes. It is not to be missed if you are in the Raleigh area.
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Mark L.

Yelp
Incredibly powerful museum. From the open urban design and decor to the powerful pieces of artwork and photography This is a bit of a hidden gem in an up and coming industrial part of Raleigh. The area has great shops and restaurants and CAM is a must. It is only open Friday - Sunday but worth dedicating time to stop in and absorb.
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Rebecca M.

Yelp
The Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh) is located in the Warehouse District of Downtown Raleigh. At the moment it is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free but they do accept donations. Masks are required to enter and there are reminders to stay 6 feet apart. Hand Sanitizer is available throughout the museum. Restrooms are available on the main level and the basement level of the museum. The museum has stairs to get to each level but there are elevators available as well to get to the different levels. At the moment the exhibits are quite powerful. Empowering Women was created for the United Nations. It showcases women from Senegal and their strengths and perseverance. These large images are what you see when you enter. Each photo provides history of the woman. Another exhibit, Flexing/ New Realm was photographed at CAM before the pandemic. It explores blackness related to wealth, power and respect and different assumptions we make. Another exhibit, Rhetoric, is of painting and mixed media. The pieces were started before the pandemic but do cover the year we had and political narratives too. The works are quite complex and get you to think. The museum is to stroll through and the works go well together. I will be back to see some other exhibits.

Michael T.

Yelp
I really liked the CAM. I suppose you should check to see what they have on exhibit before going, but then again, it is free. So why not just go any way. The building itself is very inviting, and they have an abundance of comfortable seating, making it a great space to take a break from the heat and enjoy some art. I was there for around a half hour, and I was happy I stopped by. I wish I had got some pictures of the interior.
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JaDee W.

Yelp
We ended up having lunch downtown and stumbled upon this place and it was actually really cool. We loved that it was free to look (though they do ask for donations if you can). It is definitely different from the Raleigh art museum. This pieces were different and most of them were newer in age (2015-2019) hence contemporary. They had a section that was really cool and dealt with auditory stuff. It was showing the beauty in how many people were actually deaf compared to "hearing" people. The deaf ears had gold accents to make them different and beautiful and I really loved that exhibit. If you're visiting the Videri chocolate factory or eating at the pit, you should definitely take the 3-4 min walk down the street to stop by!
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Bruce K.

Yelp
A stunning gallery with beautiful vaulted ceilings and plenty of light, the Contemporary Art Museum is a terrific spot for art. But it's a far cry from the free North Carolina Museum of Art that is also in Raleigh. Where NCMA is more classical and modern artworks from the masters including sculptures, portraits and furniture, CAM is contemporary art where you're going to be scratching your head at the "art." Which is fine. It's always useful to see different things and view other perspectives. During today's visit, there were two exhibits. The first, "The Ease of Fiction", "is intended to challenge and test the notion of s single historical truth in order to reveal the tendency of the 'powerful' to construct historical accounts in ways that perpectuate their political and economic dominance." That's way above my pay grade, but what I did see were interesting pictures from artists. Some I liked, some I didn't like. That's art - it's different for everyone. The second exhiit was "Failure of the American Dream", a mixed media display of the artists time spent among the homeless and how easy it is for Americans to become homeless. Included in the exhibit were film loops of homeless camps, the artist's actual tent and handouts of facts on homelessness and do's and don't, such as 3.5 million AMericans will experience homelessness in a given year, do respect others and don't snitch. Very depressing. But it was interesting and I enjoyed the visit. It was $5, which I thought was a reasonable price to pay for art even if it wasn't art that I understood.
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Ron W.

Yelp
Art is in the eye of the beholder and the same holds true for art museums. I anticipated the opening of the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh given its location and the need for more, edgy and interesting art. From the outside, CAM has a distinctive, angled roofline with circular cut-outs, pretty cool. And inside, you've got a light, airy space with plenty of space for exhibits. Architecture is clean and ascetic. So things are looking pretty good, eh? They had a large installation of plastic trash, that was fused into a walk-in/out display, sorta cool. Enjoyed the display of branches, broken into multiple bottles. And there were some nice pieces on the wall and a multi-media show downstairs. But in all reality, you can go through the space in about 30 minutes or so, maybe less. Now here's where I have a bit of a challenge with CAM. When you can get into the NC Museum of Natural Science or NCMA for free and spend hours there, why would you spend money at CAM? I'd like to support the new space and I think they recently dropped the price to $5 (which is where it should be) but it just wasn't that impressive. Yet. Here's to CAM working out the kinks in its presentation. It's only been open a short while so I've got my fingers crossed that they'll pick up their game...
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Rose L.

Yelp
CAM keeps popping up in my "Yelp Newsfeed" of places to review, with the very inquisitive question: what keeps bringing you back?! I ask myself the same questions. CAM is a lovely space, that much is obvious, with huge widows and a great layout; even when it's crowded, the open space and design helps you feel like you've still got space to move around. I usually visit CAM during First Friday [it's free from 6-9pm], for Hopscotch [a local music festival that uses CAM as one of their venues] and occasionally special events: pop-up shops, film screenings, etc. During First Friday they hire a bartender and offer $5 beers and $6 glasses of wine. The exhibits change regularly and they have a huge assortment of works of art. I've noticed they particularly like to have big statement pieces, usually created from mixed media. While the pieces are usually mind-blowing and thought evoking, it makes for a quick stop since they also have a minimalist approach: here's our one amazing work of art, the end. Of course, this does change from exhibit to exhibit, but the word CONTEMPORARY is in the name, so you can expect modern works. If you've never been to CAM, I'd recommend giving them a visit during First Friday when you can get in for free.
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Teresa S.

Yelp
We stopped here during our day of visiting museums in Raleigh, NC and this was our least favorite. The staff were real sweet and helpful but the museum lacked the ooh and ahh factor. It was a lot smaller than we expected and there was a small admission fee. We were the only visitors in the museum which allowed us to take our time and browse at the exhibits that were mostly of a baseball field and pictures of visitors watching baseball games. The main space consisted of a cool looking colorful string exhibition. Its a place to check out if youre in the area especially since it wont take up a lot of your time.
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Dawn C.

Yelp
Beautiful things come in small packages. Peak inside the windows at the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) of Raleigh and you'll see emerging artists' sight specific installations. What a gift for the South. This 3 gallery space has quickly rotating shows of the hottest in current artists showing their latest inspirations. For $5 a person, or $75 for a family annual membership, you can experience the galleries. In a completely new space, this nonprofit, with strong ties to the North Carolina State University, offers a fresh spin on art. The exhibits are a bit challenging if you are new to contemporary art, but far more accessible than most collections. When we went in late July there was a vibrant show from Dan Steinhilber who uses common objects in beautiful ways - read: trash in new shapes. The piece with most impact was a huge inflatable shape that offered entry through a refrigerator door into a colorful world of plastic affixed to the interior walls. It was fun to interact with this piece and be part of the art. Other pieces in the show used plastic stretched over wooden moving palates and in large geometric patterns. Another winning piece was simple wire and paper hangers arranged in beautiful sweeping shapes. This museum is a quick afternoon jaunt. We experience the museum in less than an hour. It would be a great dinner and museum date. We're planning on going a couple of times a year to see new artists.
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Kay H.

Yelp
Visiting Raleigh and went to an opening at CAM. They currently have excellent exhibitions to see. Beautiful building in very interesting area in Raleigh. First Friday night was fun for all ages. I'll be interested to see their exhibitions in the future.
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Sookia S.

Yelp
We have been to the CAM about three times. I am not a big fan of contemporary art and it is on a side of downtown that is away from the other family oriented places. But we stopped in for the ice cream social. It was a fun even and we had the chance to meet some new folks which is always nice. They had an interesting exhibit about a women who was experimented on without her consent. I am not sure my son is at the age that this is the best museum for us, but still glad it's here.
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Lucy Y.

Yelp
I came here during First Fridays & loved the Gabriel Dawe installation made of multicolored thread, and the Bull City Summer exhibition. But I really loved that when we walked into this crafting area, they asked us adults the same question they asked kids that were nearby: do you want to make your own superhero? Bowls of shell pieces, sparkly colored things, shiny metallic stars & butterflies, buttons, multi colored & sized sequins, each labeled with attributes: psychic powers, invisibility, time travel, intelligence. So cute! Colored felt, markers, pencils, scissors & glue, plus a form to build your superhero on were also thoughtfully provided. I don't know what admission usually is, but tonight it was free. It's a small space, but I loved everything about it!
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Jocelyn M.

Yelp
I cannot say enough good things about this museum. From its exhibits to its executive director, Gab Smith -- a visit to this museum is always such a treat. The passion of its staff and its small size make a CAM trip an intimate experience. We like to grab lunch downtown beforehand and then casually stroll through the well-lit and open spaces at the museum. Whether you have one hour or several, a trip to the CAM will be worth it. And P.S. the summer 2017 exhibits are incredible.
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George H.

Yelp
Maybe I'm missing something, but between the lack of exhibits, small space and general yawn of this place, I'm not seeing the draw/buzz or justification of the admission fee. It was empty save for a few pieces of art and even those were a bore. I didn't want to trash it completely as it could have been an off-day or in-between major exhibits, but I was disappointed. I'm glad it's in the warehouse district and as that area grows, maybe the museum will get better.
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Jasmine B.

Yelp
CAM is one of my favorite places in Raleigh. I'm not a big museum-goer. I might make it 30 minutes before I get bored (or hungry). However, with CAM, it's different. Every time that I go in there, a new exhibit is up and there's a new story to be told. While I may not always be particularly intrigued by every exhibit, it's nice to see a museum that features such an interesting range of artists, displays, etc. I visited the museum with my Alternative Service Break group and we were lucky enough to participate in whatever art project they had open to the public. (I think it had something to do with geometric shapes and perception.) Another time I attended a Creative Mornings event here -- the museum is kind enough to host these events, allowing CM to bring in food and drinks for a couple hours on a Friday morning. It is a small space, but that doesn't detract from its value. It is very modern and incredibly beautiful on the inside. The parking situation isn't ideal, but normally you can find a spot on the street. Whether you are attending a Creative Mornings event or just viewing the exhibits, CAM is sure to delight. I highly recommend it.
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Brittany G.

Yelp
A very cool art museum in the warehouse district of downtown Raleigh! We came across it while enjoying the weather. The woman inside was friendly and explained the concept and prices. She invited us to look around and told us to let her know if we had any questions. The museum itself is very clean and modern, featuring some very cool art from all over. I especially liked the video screens on the bottom floor featuring documentary films. I felt as the museum was a bit empty, but the woman at the front mentioned that they were adding a ton more exhibits in the spring! I will definitely be back for a stroll and to take in some great art!
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Ashley D.

Yelp
Hanging out on a Saturday bored and don't feel like drinking yet?? Well, head on down to the contemporary art museum in downtown Raleigh!! There is always an interesting spectacle to see, hear, touch or just wonder at! Its small so you aren't going to wander around for hours til your feet get sore, and its right in the heart of the warehouse district so you can always find a place to grab a bite or sip afterwards. By the way - these guys throw the BEST parties! If you hear of one...GO! Its going to be great food, (possibly) open bar and interesting people!
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Leslie H.

Yelp
I have been to the CAM twice this week..both for special events..both times were wonderful experiences! On Thursday, CAM hosted and launched Art of Cool festival . There was a DJ,cash wine bar, giveaways, free t-shirts amongst the great pieces of artwork on display. It was a wonderful date night option for my husband and I. On Sunday, CAM invited families to come for PNC Sundae which featured free ice cream from Fresh on Glenweood, interactive sundae bar, art/crafts room for the kids, music and a chance to see all the lovely pieces of art. My daughter and her friend had a so much fun! I really enjoy the space not just for events but a place to view art in such an open, industrial setting. Because it is in the popular warehouse district, parking can be challenging. However ,each visit we have been able to find parking. Follow CAM on Facebook or sign up for newsletter to stay informed in what art related events are coming next!
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Andrew W.

Yelp
Since last year, CAM has taken some major steps to be consider a must-see on First Friday in Raleigh. There is now usually no admission fee on First Friday, thanks to some sponsorship deals that have been worked out. They also always have a food truck or two parked on their property. I hope they can keep that up! Members are treated to an opening reception for each new exhibit (upstairs and down), which includes some free drinks and snacks. Exhibits run about 3-4 months and the upstairs and downstairs are on different schedules so there is a good chance you will see something new every couple months you stop by. CAM gets points in my book for staying on as a Hopscotch venue and hosting many CreativeMornings RDU meetings in 2012 and 2013. CreativeMornings is a free monthly event (http://www.creativemornings.com/) with a local speakers. I think they have switched locations now as of summer 2013, but I enjoyed hearing Ashley Christensen talk to a full room at CAM. If you are partial to modern art and are not too far from downtown Raleigh, you may want to consider a membership. But, if you can't make the opening receptions or don't appreciate the art, then it's probably not worth it.
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David W.

Yelp
Although I love and appreciate art, I was sorely disappointed by this venue. Had they not asked for $10 for two of us, I may have been more reserved to comment, but the space was small and the two exhibitions were extremely disappointing. I would say save your money and go to ArtSpace or the NC Museum of Art!

V M.

Yelp
CAM has really gone downhill over the past couple of years. I've been coming to CAM Raleigh since it first opened, and have even been a patron (donating at their annual ArtHouse gala). Basically, CAM has gone from being a small, private museum showcasing emerging new artists to a glorified event space for classless gatherings. While modern art is hit-and-miss, CAM used to have at least a few compelling exhibits each year (they have no permanent collection). But now we're lucky if there's even two good exhibitions in a year. Though the space is nicely constructed, it's nothing without good art. The bathrooms seem like they haven't been cleaned in months! This is absolutely disgraceful for a museum, much less one charging admission. The fundraising events here have become a joke too. At a recent party celebrating a certain local celebrity chef, party-goers were openly doing drugs and messing with the art installations. At the last two fundraisers I witnessed partiers vomiting in common areas. So be extra careful if you're visiting the next day and don't wear nice shoes. The only redeeming factor is that CAM still seems committed to having programs that foster creativity and arts for middle-school aged children, whether through special tours or their young docent program. CAM, clean up your act! You used to be awesome!

Mareike H.

Yelp
Guess, today wasnt a good day to visit the CAM. First floor was closed for installation of two new exibits. And downstairs were a lot of chairs, with a do not sit on sign, some stuff to look at, one still being installed, and a video that I didnt really get, but it had M&Ms in them.. Even saving half the admission with a Groupon wasnt even worth going today. Maybe I ll go again, when both floors are up and running.
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Cindy H.

Yelp
Thought this was a pretty cool place. Enjoyed everything that I could touch and see, especially the part that pixellated me.
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Cloud M.

Yelp
CAM Raleigh is a wonderful addition to downtown Raleigh. Many people have not yet discovered the Museum as it is still new, having opened in April 2011. CAM Raleigh is a non-collecting museum, meaning that it differs from larger state-funded museums in the area, in that the exhibits are always new and fresh, and the Museum does not have a permanent collection, but rather always-changing exhibitions. Something for every art lover + wonderful First Friday events too! Sign up for their mailing list via their site and visit soon to support a thriving and growing art institution!
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Alexa S.

Yelp
I like CAM. Its not the greatest contemporary art museum you've ever been to, but its so great that Raleigh is getting culture. The space is beautiful and the shows are always changing. CAM's events are the real gem, however. If ever CAM puts on a party, you know you'll have a blast. The Halloween event was great and New Years was too. It draws a great crowd -- 25 - 35 year olds with taste and street cred.

Amanda H.

Yelp
I love art. I honestly do. I enjoyed this museum because the simple fact is. It's art. But it wasn't anything to write home about. The lady that worked here was very snooty. She just didn't seem like she wants to do her job at all. I think maybe she was just not in the mood for company. Other than that it's worth checking out. Maybe the next exhibit will be something you are more drawn to.
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Leslie D.

Yelp
Okay, so maybe my children and I went on the wrong day. As it was, we went this morning. The museum was in the process of completing two installations, one of which took up the entire first floor, the other taking up half the basement. We were not allowed to look at either. Seriously. We were not allowed to enter the first floor gallery space at all. I paid $10 for the "honor" of viewing an installation of tape-based art. Don't get me wrong, the art was great. The MUSEUM was awful. We were followed/shadowed by an employee for reasons unknown to me. Perhaps she was frightened that one of my children would look at something they shouldn't, which was very likely as literally 3/4 of the museum was not ready for visitors. And I personally don't think something is particularly "good for kids" if the person at the reception desk actually says, "Um...I think you should hold your kid. He seems like he might touch something." Did I mention they still charged us full price? A complete and total waste of my time and money. Not to mention totally insulting.

Mark H.

Yelp
Total waste of time and money. There's no there there. Nice girl at reception though. Go to NC muesum of,art, awesome and free.

Charmaine O.

Yelp
With all the "Contemporary" Crafts of North Carolina, this Museum is a breathe of Fresh AIR! I am so thankful for the awesome exhibitions and amazing programming finally here through the CAM Raleigh, North Carolina. We are moving in a positive direction, in understanding that art is still being created (1950---), and that Modernism and other traditional trends of thought (pre 1945) are not the only valid modes of working today. Thank Heavens!!!